Book 3), Be Still My Vampire Heart (Love at Stake

Emma Wallace is a vampire slayer of the most dangerous kind. Her parents were killed by vampires. The only thing Emma has in her heart is revenge. She is on the warpath, taking out vampires.

Scotsman Angus MacKay has been sent to stop the slayer. He has lived for centuries, so taking out one little slayer should be easy. From the first moment Angus meets Emma, he becomes memorized with her beauty and strength.

Emma can't resist a fellow countryman, especially one as hot as Angus. Emma can't wait to find out what Angus is packing under his kilt, till she learns he is a vampire and then all she wants to do is stake him through the heart. Angus will do everything in his powers to stop Emma, even if it takes him eternity.

Be Still My Vampire Heart is book three in Kerrelyn Sparks's Love at Stake series. You don't have to read the first two books in order to enjoy this story. Though after reading this book, I want to read the rest of the book sin this series. Who doesn't love vampires, who a sense of humor? I know I do. Plus, these vampires are sexy. Emma and Angus are the new Buffy and Angel. I loved that Kerrelyn Sparks didn't make this story dark or her characters tormented. Not all vampire books have to be like that. I enjoy when I read a book of this genre that is new and refreshing, especially when the author adds in comedy and sarcasm into the mix.

Angus MacKay is a Scottish vampire who owns MacKay Securities. He provides protection for coven masters such as Roman Draganesti. Roman has sent Angus to investigate a vampire slayer who has been killing the vampires known as Malcontents. The Malcontents are ruled by Casimir, a very old and evil vampire. Katya Miniskaya is a Russian coven leader who needs to stop the slayer before Casimir kills her for not protecting her coven.

Emma Wallace is a vampire hunter. She works for the CIA as a member of the Stake-Out Team. When she meets Angus while hunting in Central Park one night, she can't help but be attracted to him. When she realizes he is a vampire, she tries to keep her distance from him.

Angus doesn't just want to keep Emma safe, he wants her for his own. Somehow he'll have to gain her trust. As they fight against Katya and Casimir, Emma is torn between her hatred of vampires and her feelings for Angus.

Kerrelyn Sparks has created her own unique vampire world with Be Still My Vampire Heart. She made up new rules and scenarios for these vamps that are different than most other vampire stories, creating this amusing and interesting tale. Angus' Scottish accent, combined with his brawn and power are very seductive, and Emma is strong, capable, and beautiful. They make one tough couple! Be Still My Vampire Heart is funny, sexy, exciting and a blast to read!

Nannette reviewed for Joyfully Reviewed

Emma Wallace has a grudge against all vampires after psychically seeing her parents killed by them. She has made it her job to wipe out as many of them as she can. With her number at four dead vampires and counting, Emma knows it is only a matter of time before they become wise to her and who she is and try to get the drop on her. However, she has no intention of going down easy. Armed with stakes, she meets Angus Mackay, a vampire, in Central Park. The only thing she is sure of where Angus is concerned is that she is very attracted to him; but is he human or vampire?

Angus is an ancient Scottish vampire who is instantly besotted the first time he sees a picture of Emma, who has earned the name of the "slayer" among his kind. A good guy, unlike the Malcontents who murder humans, Angus ingests his meals from a bottle. He takes on the job of convincing Emma to leave him and his band of good vampires to the job of taking care of the Malcontents. Thinking he will easily convince Emma to stop killing vampires, he finds out soon enough that, mutual attraction aside, Emma has every intention of killing him once she discovers he is undead.

When Angus finally realizes that Emma is serious, he sets about trying to convince her not all vampires are evil. Eventually they come to an uneasy truce, and Angus becomes her partner. It soon becomes clear there are other players, and that someone from Angus' past has every intention of killing not just Emma but him as well. In the meantime, their attraction turns into something deeper, though Emma is convinced there is no way a relationship between them can work. While Angus tries to convince her otherwise, they are ambushed by their enemies and only time will tell if they survive being captured.

Be Still My Vampire Heart is a hilarious and highly emotionally charged, though very enjoyable, read. Ms. Sparks gives us a humorous look into the world of the undead, where good vampires drink synthetic blood, and the Scottish ones think nothing of checking to be sure they are completely intact after teleporting! However, just like in the human world, there are the good guys and the bad guys, and I found it very refreshing that Ms. Sparks added this dichotomy to her universe. The emotional tug-of-war that Emma feels when she realizes she is in love with a vampire, knowing her parents were killed by them, is at times heart wrenching but in a very satisfying way. Angus' old-fashioned view of the world and women in general is extremely funny and had me roaring with laughter at times. His admiration of Emma, her will to survive, and her dedication to her mission are heart warming. Ms. Sparks has outdone herself with her Love-At-Stake series and I for one cannot wait to read the rest of it!

Regina
Reviewer for Coffee Time Romance

When Emma Wallace's parents were killed by vampires, she began taking matters into her own hands. She is now a member of the CIA's Stake-Out team. Emma could care less if the vampire is good or evil. She stakes every vampire she comes into contact with. Emma's favorite hunting place is in New York's Central Park. Everything is going fine until Angus MacKay shows up while Emma is hunting. It is hard to ignore a handsome Scotsman wearing a kilt and welding a huge claymore.

Roman Draganesti is the richest vampire around. He has Angus begin searching for "the Slayer" and make the guy stop staking vampires. Seems Katya Miniskaya, co-master of the Russian-American coven, is blaming Roman for the deaths of some of her coven members. The Slayer is to be stopped before Katya goes to war!

Angus never expects the slayer to be a female; especially one as lovely as Emma! Attraction is instantaneous, so Angus must convince Emma that not all vampires are evil and to stop vigilante spree. It gets even harder, seems Katya is hunting the slayer also. Katya must capture the slayer and Angus for Casimir, the world's most evil vampire, or be "removed" herself.

***** This is the third novel in the amazing vampire romance series by author Kerrelyn Sparks. Emma and Angus are two of a kind and a perfect match for each other in more ways than one. Perfect for readers who enjoy some feisty characters, a fast paced plot, and a lot of action. *****

Reviewed by Detra Fitch of Huntress Reviews.

I am seriously loving these kilted vampires...and an accent always does me in. Whew. I really enjoyed reading the banter between the Emma and Angus...both characters are smart as well as kick a**. This is the third book in the Love at Stake series and I have to say they keep getting better with each addition. There was a lot of action (both butt-kicking and steamy) in this book and I was glad for it, and hope that stupid hard-headed Sean is finally maybe coming around. Anyway, I am glad that there was a ton of butt-kicking action in this book and I am eager to see what goes down with the Russian coven in the next book as well, the evil jerks. The plot was strong, lots of good guys and bad guys, we finally meet the infamous Casimir. I am also super glad that Emma made the decision she did at the end...I wouldn't want it any other way for her. The only question left is...how long before Connor is up on the chopping block?

In Central Park, someone kills a Russian Malcontent vampire. The group's leader Katya Miniskaya accuses the New York vampire clan of the slaying, but they know differently. A slayer stakes vampires mostly in Central Park and he or she must be stopped before a bloodsucker war ignites.

Affluent Roman Draganesti assigns Angus MacKay to do whatever it takes to end the terror before hostilities break out. The four century plus vampire decides to out the slayer in her killing fields of Central park. There he meets CIA Stake-Out agent Emma Wallace, who is obsessed with deadening the undead as vampires slew her parents years ago. To both their shock these natural adversaries are attracted to one another. Angus revises his plan from slaying the slayer to making it with her, but he is not a fan of rough sex props as a stake in the heart does not sound like a good time. First he must persuade her to stop stereotyping his species while Emma feels she is betraying her parents because she desires sleeping with the enemy.

This is an excellent vampire romance as readers will enjoy the escapades between the slayer and her target. The storyline is fast-paced, filled with action, but belongs to the lead pair, as readers will wonder whether they will make strange bedfellows. Sub-genre fans will want to take a bite out of this Big Apple supernatural delight and seek other sparkling "supernormal" thrillers by this entertaining author (see VAMPS IN THE CITY and HOW TO MARRY A MILLIONAIRE VAMPIRE).

Harriet Klausner

Emma Wallace Vampire Slayer has been going out in the park at night with the C.I.A. knowledge to kill vampires on her own. She been good at it until she meets Angus Mackay. At first she thinks she's dealing with another vampire hunter but soon learns that she's falling for the very enemy that she suppose to be protecting human race from. She starts to wonder of her bosses daughter might be right about their being two fractions of vampires. The sexy Highland Warrior would do anything for Emma including risk his being killed by their enemies as she finds she trust him enough not to feed off of her as the infamous slayer has become a target by the bad vamps. The ending is a trust showing of traditional romance where the man is willing to loose his true love forever in order to save her. Fearing that she'll hate him forever for what he has to do save her life.

The third volume of the "Love At Stake" series by Kerrelyn Sparks is, unfortunately, the second in a row that ends up just being average. The first "How to Marry A Millionaire Vampire" is amazing. The next two just follow the same formula shared by millions of vampire romances... the vampire falls for the mortal, there is angst while the mortal comes to terms with the vampire lifestyle and alternates between being intrigued and turned off by it. Then the vamp and human become intimate. One or the other runs off due to a misunderstanding. They get back together at the end and kiss and make up. I'm tired of this dated formula and I am ready to read something more creative.

Angus McKay, there hero of this novel is very interesting as a character. I loved his Scottish accent and kilt and all that. Emma could have been any of the heroines of any other romance book. There was some humor and I truly enjoy the cast of supporting characters here. Vampire mind-sex is getting stale. Is it too much to ask for things to be shook up a little?

This is not a horrible book, nor will you remember it with any clarity in a week or two.

Another powerful paranormal romance, is not only a great modern romantic vampire story, its full of spies, CIA, good and bad vampires, adventure, and of course hot blooded vampire love. This is a great vampire writer, and great book to get your teeth into...I really enjoyed the How to Marry a Mill8ionaire Vampire too!

I read two other very different vampire books this summer, that I can recommend too, both have romantic sides, but are more gothic - still they are VERY good stories and well written - both the kind of books you will hope will never end. No matter what, all of these three books will keep you awake all night....Enjoy!

VARNISS THE VAMPIRE: A ROMANCE OF BLOOD
The House of the Vampire

Angus McKay, a world-weary, battle-scared vampire has seen it all--or so he thought. When his company, McKay Security and Investigations is charged by Roman Draganesti with locating and stopping a vampire slayer working in Central Park, the last thing he expects is to find a small, sexy woman behind the killings. Emma Wallace--the name alone is catnip to the dyed-in-the-wool Scotsman--is a warrior like Angus. And, like Angus, she is committed to fighting the vicious Malcontents, vampires that still feed from and kill humans. The only problem is that Emma sees no distinction between Angus and the evil vamps she's determined to eradicate.

The only good vampire is a dead vampire. Emma has lived by this motto for years, and as a CIA agent with a mission to destroy all vampires, it has served her well. Her worldview is challenged, however, when she comes in contact with a Scottish hunk with a code of honor as unbending as his claymore. Could Angus be telling the truth when he says he's one of the good guys, or is it a trick? And could Emma ever trust one of the very beings she's sworn to kill? Emma is forced to confront these questions and her own prejudices when the Malcontents seek retaliation for the slayings.

BE STILL MY VAMPIRE HEART is the third full-length novel in Sparks' immensely popular, award-winning Love at Stake series, and fans will thrill not only at Angus and Emma's exciting, romantic story, but with the reappearance of Roman and a very-pregnant Shana. Tension escalates in the series as hostilities between the good vamps and the Malcontents continue to grow to a head, laying the path for a future showdown that readers will not want to miss. Sharp pacing, fun prose, and excellent characterization round out BE STILL MY VAMPIRE HEART, a must read for any fan of paranormal romance!

I started this series (How to marry a billionare vampire) in love with the series and with Kerryln Sparks. It was the first of her books that I had read and I immediately liked her style of writing and the characters. Then I read Vamps and the City and was completely thrown back by how much I hated the book. I think the irritating herione did it for me...now onto this this book. Be still my vampire heart redeemed the series and the author in my opinion. Kerrlyn Sparks obviously realized the error of her ways on the 2nd books because the amazing dialogue and funny characters are back in this book. I love Emma and Angus. The angst of Emma's past provides just the right amount of tension for the book along with the guilt that Angus feels...all and all it was a great read. My jury is still out on the series though. I am waiting anxiously for the next installment to make a decision.

I loved the first book in the series, was refreshingly surprised by the second, but the third just gives more of the same. Vampire hunter tells herself she could never love a vampire, but ends up falling madly in love with one anyway after a week of knowing one. It's the second novel reversed. Instead of a vampire saying they could never love a human, it's a human saying they could never love a vamp. Instead of a vampire deciding to turn back into a mortal, it's a mortal choosing to turn into a vamp. The next in the series would have to be very different in order for me to give it a try. The male character in this story was too pleasant and there wasn't any humor in this book, I hope the next is better.

Another great romance by Kerrelyn Sparks. The heroine is Vanda Barkowski-a vampire with an anger problem. Vanda's temper is causing her no end of problems. She is having touble keeping dancers in her club, she is in court being sued by the obnoxious newscasters, and even inspired assasination attempts.

It is clear that Vanda needs some help and she finds it in the fine form of Lycanthrope Security guard--Phil Jones. Can true love help get past the pain of her past so she can heal. Of course-but it will not be easy and there are many complications along the way (as well as some hot romance and a little sword fighting).

Absolutely a fun read. Is this a literary masterpiece? No. Will the read be challenged intellectually and feel a deeper sense of being upon completion of this novel? No. Will the reader swoon, eat lime tortilla chips and drink coffee while giggling out loud at the blatant absurdity as well as fantastical romance all while cuddled up in slippers and surrounded by dark chocolate? Yes! This book is a lighthearted and fun read best for making the reader smile and escape the not so pleasant moments of the day. Do not look too deeply into the "meaning of it all." Just Enjoy!

I adore these novels. They are great light reading, perfect for relaxing under a blanket. I enjoyed the fast flow, plot, and descriptions. The love scenes are steamy without making you feel like you shouldn't be reading this in broad daylight. Kerrelyn Sparks does a great job with the character's accents. I just love how she writes the Scottish accent instead of assuming everyone knows what a Scottish accent sounds like. It really adds to the story and helps connect the reader to the hero. Plus, accents are very sexy!
The down side to these novels is the repetition. *SPOILER ALERT* Each heroine, at one point or another, refers to her love as a "rascal". I felt this took away from the novel and was distracting. The plot tends to be very similar in each novel. Two people meet and are drawn together, both have their own baggage and secrets, somehow they are unable to part, there's a point where they are certain they can't be together, there's a big fight (usually against the bad guys), bad guys are temporarily disarmed, two people realize they can make it work and it's happily ever after.
All of that being said, I don't hesitate to pick up one of these books. I have totally fallen in love with all of the couples, especially Angus and Emma. I'm very sad to say I'm totally caught up with the series. Now I'm patiently awaiting the release of her next novel.

This vampire series is great. This is my second favorite of the series, How to Marry a Millionaire Vampire being first. Kerrelyn Sparks characters are funny, witty and with personalities we can relate to. Good series, would recommend starting with book 1 before reading this one.

This is probably the most different of Vampire Books I have ever read.

I almost peed on my self when the vamps were compaired to the Mutant Turtles.

This is a quick read and enjoyable read. Fast paced and not full of sex which is different from most of the Vamp books out today.

Kerrelyn Sparks has done another amazing job with this Third book in the series. Loved Angus and Emma - they were perfect together. Can't wait for the follow up on the grown up Ian and baby Constantine.

Be Still My Vampire Heart has Emma the slayer who is also part of the stake out team being hunted. Angus has been put in charge of having Emma stop slaying. Also Shanna and Roman are having the bay. Another hard to put down book.

This was the first book I ever read from Kerrelyn Sparks, and I loved her books.

I get tickled every time Angus has to transport and he always checks to see if everything arrives with him under that kilt. LOL.

So i loved How to marry a millionaire vampire and i was like eh with vamps in the city but i still haven't finished Be still my vampire heart. i can't bring my self to finish the other half. I only picked this book up was for the cameos of Roman and wife but what really irritated me with this book is that Sparks writes out the Hero's words the actual way a Scot might pronounce words. i mean okay sure its cute when its like an occasional word like "dinna" but the whole book is written like that. I mean seriously can't we leave a little to the reader's imagination? Of what i read it seems to be more of the same blade runners or whatever they are called in this series trying to stake the evil vamps and more blundering ignorance of the humans. yawn.I think this is another vampire series that i am going to have to give up on (which really sucks cuz i am now down to 2 series).

I adore these novels. They are great light reading, perfect for relaxing under a blanket. I enjoyed the fast flow, plot, and descriptions. The love scenes are steamy without making you feel like you shouldn't be reading this in broad daylight. Kerrelyn Sparks does a great job with the character's accents. I just love how she writes the Scottish accent instead of assuming everyone knows what a Scottish accent sounds like. It really adds to the story and helps connect the reader to the hero. Plus, accents are very sexy!
The down side to these novels is the repetition. *SPOILER ALERT* Each heroine, at one point or another, refers to her love as a "rascal". I felt this took away from the novel and was distracting. The plot tends to be very similar in each novel. Two people meet and are drawn together, both have their own baggage and secrets, somehow they are unable to part, there's a point where they are certain they can't be together, there's a big fight (usually against the bad guys), bad guys are temporarily disarmed, two people realize they can make it work and it's happily ever after.
All of that being said, I don't hesitate to pick up one of these books. I have totally fallen in love with all of the couples, especially Angus and Emma. I'm very sad to say I'm totally caught up with the series. Now I'm patiently awaiting the release of her next novel.

No matter what order you read these books in, they are great. Originally I started half way through by accident and have now gone through and read from the beginning. But they are great for a light read.